McLeish suggests Celtic are copying Liverpool after what he’s just seen from Kyogo
Alex McLeish has suggested Ange Postecoglou is looking to copy Liverpool with his forward line at Celtic.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Scotland manager claimed the Hoops boss is looking for his attacking players to “intertwine” between central and wide roles.
Kyogo Furuhashi has swapped between playing as a striker and a winger for the Bhoys this season.
The Japan international was shifted to the right flank against St Johnstone to bring Georgios Giakoumakis into the starting XI.
However, he returned to lead the line in the win over Hibernian.
McLeish admitted the 26-year-old loses some “fire” when shifted out wide.
However, he suggested Postecoglou had taken inspiration from the versatility of Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Diogo Jota.
McLeish told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “We saw Kyogo playing against Rangers in a wide position and he struggled.
“It was only latterly in the game when the coach moved him to centre-forward that he troubled Rangers again.
“Possibly, there’s a wee bit of fire that’s taken from his performance level when he’s shifted to the wide area.
“I guess Postecoglou is maybe trying to look at a kind of Liverpool front three formation, where the players all intertwine.
“Those front three are looking very, very potent. Postecoglou can’t pick everybody so may the best man win. These are great players Celtic have.”
Furuhashi, Giakoumakis and Albian Ajeti are Celtic’s recognised senior centre-forwards this season.
Meanwhile, Postecoglou has Jota, Mikey Johnston, Liel Abada and James Forrest to call on as wingers.
In other news, Frank McAvennie claims Celtic have signed the “next Charlie Nicholas”.